The UK’s nuclear sector is facing a workforce crunch. With 80% of employers reporting talent shortages, the pressure is mounting to find, train, and retain skilled professionals across civil and defence programmes. In response, the South West Regional Hub (SWH) has emerged as a key delivery arm of the Nuclear Skills Taskforce, translating national ambition into regional action.
Spanning Cornwall to Oxfordshire, the South West is home to a rich ecosystem of nuclear capability. Major employers like Babcock, EDF, and Rolls-Royce sit alongside leading training providers such as University Colleges Somerset and City College Plymouth. This blend of industrial heft and educational reach makes the region uniquely positioned to pilot solutions to the sector’s skills challenge.
The Hub’s mission is clear; to create a collaborative, coordinated approach to workforce development. That means reducing recruitment costs, tackling social mobility cold spots, and building resilience in critical roles. It’s not just about plugging gaps, it’s about future-proofing the sector.
Governance is tight and delivery is hands-on. Weekly working groups drive progress on curriculum design, training interventions, and scenario modelling, while quarterly steering boards keep strategy aligned. The Hub’s values, integrity, trust, collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity are embedded in every strand of activity.
Campaigns like Destination Nuclear are helping to shift perceptions and boost recruitment. Employer-led modelling around SMRs, outreach into schools, and remote careers fairs are all part of the mix. There’s also a growing focus on connecting employers with entry-level talent via DWP, and on launching bursary schemes to widen access.
Looking ahead to 2025/26, the Hub is doubling down on strategic workforce planning, demand-driven training, and regional pride. It’s a model that could shape national delivery and it’s being built right here in the South West.
Read More Here:
Skills Plan – nuclearskillsplan.com
Campaign –destinationnuclear.com
Careers – destinationnuclearcareersportal.co.uk